Dan Marino’s Son Following Dad’s Lead In Autism Charity Work

MIAMI (CBS4) – Michael Marino beams with pride and gratitude to a very famous dad, Dad Marino.

“He is just a very kind person, a very good father and he cares a lot about his kids,” said Marino, 24.

But these days, Michael Marino is stepping into the spotlight for the first time as the public face of his Dad’s foundation, a lifeline for children with autism. A path he is all to familiar with: Michael was diagnosed with autism at 2 years old.

As a child, finding the words to match his thoughts was tough.

“Because of (his) support and that push, I am able to be who I am today and be able to speak well, which I had a real problem with when I was younger,” recalled Marino. ”I found myself when I was younger pointing at a lot of things”

In a rare interview, he sat down with CBS4 Chief Investigator Michele Gillen just before accepting a 50,000 grant for the foundation from the Able Trust Career Launch Employment Program. The grant will kickstart a vision and a school triggered by his challenges.